BOXING: A CHILDHOOD dream became a reality on Saturday as Fitzpatrick’s boxer Nick Leahy landed his first senior national title.
Leahy fought off former England Boxing Alliance champion Aaron Prospre at the North Solihull Sports Centre in a fiercely fought three-round contest.
The Leamington boxer seized the early initiative in a positive opening round, forcing his Portsmouth-based opponent onto the back foot.
Though Prospre tried to get forward in the second round, Leahy stood strong and stopped his opponent with some stinging shots.
A strong third round proved enough for Leahy to claim the title.
He said after the fight: “It was my hand that was raised in the ring, but this is no individual sport.
“It’s a massive team effort.
“I’d like to thank my coaches Derek Fitzpatrick, Babs Kandola and Tommy Pender. This win is ours.”
Coach Derek Fitzpatrick was full of praise for Nick afterwards.
He added: “It’s a great achievement for Nick.
“To win seven fights in six weeks is remarkable.
“He’s boxed in every round of the competition and beat four regional champions in the process.
“Nick has done it the hard way. And we are all very proud of him.”
It wasn’t just Nick on the podium on Saturday.
Club mate Leah Gunton, who boxed Amelia Jarvis from Mayflower ABC in Plymouth, picked up the silver medal.
Babs Kandola said: “This fight was going to be a tough ask for Leah.
“Fighting in a national final in her first competitive bout wasn’t going to be easy.”
The referee called time on the fight in the third round following a flurry of Jarvis shots.
